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NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
General Studies – 1
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role of German nationalism in the unification of Italy.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by writing about the rise of nationalism across Europe in the 19th century.
Body:
Write about the factors which contributed the growth of German Nationalism – Revolutions of 1830 and 1848, Role of Napoleon, German philosophers etc. Analyse to what extent they were responsible for unification of Germany.
Mention the other factors responsible for the unification process.
Conclusion:
Summarise the impact of nationalism in the unification process.
Introduction
The creation of the German Confederation in 1815 was largely in reaction to the growing sense of German nationalism, which had not existed in Europe prior to the 19th century. While strains of nationalism certainly existed before the turn of the century, it was France’s conquest of the German lands in the first decade of the 19th century that first fully aroused German nationalists into proposing a unified, German state.
Body
Reasons for growing sense of nationalism in Germany
- Napoleonic wars: Following Napoleon’s subjugation of Europe and the formation of the Confederation of the Rhine, the German states realised that being small and politically divided meant being vulnerable to strong aggressors.
- The states realised they needed each other for common defence.
- The German confederation: At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the allied forces decided to dissolve the Confederation of the Rhine.
- They wanted to eradicate the memory of French occupation.
- The German states now formed the German Confederation, also known as the Bund.
- Economic factors: The industrial revolution brought demographic change. Urbanisation increased as people moved to the towns to work in the new industries.
- The population rose and people living in such close proximity meant there was potential for uprisings.
- The development of the railways greatly improved communication between the states and allowed for the growth of increased inter-state trade.
- However, industrial growth for the German states was severely hampered by trade barriers and differences in laws and currencies.
- The new middle class began to push for change to improve their economic standing.
- Cultural factors: The French occupation of German lands before 1815 resulted in a growth of resentment towards the occupying forces.
- These feelings led people to react against French ideas and culture.
- Instead of French Rationalism, German Romanticism flourished. Artists and writers looked to the inner life of individuals.
- Others evoked the idea of a national spirit or “volk” – something that had existed in the past but been suppressed under Napoleon’s rule.
- A culture emerged that encouraged people of the subjugated states to consider their identity and their roots.
Creation and unification of Germany
- Otto von Bismarck was a fervent German nationalist who wanted a German nation.
- As a result, once appointed, Chancellor Bismarck set out to strengthen and improve the Prussian army and gain international allies that would help Prussia on its way to unifying Germany.
- Bismarck’s Prussia first fought a war in 1864 in alliance with Austria against Denmark to annex most of the territory of German Confederation.
- Then he allied with Italy in 1866 to defeat Austria and removed it from the German Confederation. Consequently, the Confederation itself was ended.
- In 1867, Bismarck formed the North German Confederation. It united 22 German states but excluded the Southern German states like Bavaria, which remained independent.
- The constitution of this Confederation made the Prussian King the hereditary head of the state. The Southern states followed a pro-Austria policy but were forced to unite after the German victory in Franco-Prussian war of 1870.
- The Franco-Prussian war in 1870 led to final unification of Germany
Conclusion
Cultural unity and economic cooperation under the Zollverein helped German nationalism to grow. Meanwhile, liberal idealists and fear of invasion encouraged nationalistic feeling in the German states.
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about contribution of Garibaldi towards the unification of Italy.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a brief about the Garibaldi the Italian patriot and his guerrilla Redshirts during Italian unification.
Body:
In Brief, mention the various obstacles for the unification of Italy.
In detail, mention as how Garibaldi helped overcome the above – His joining of ‘Young Italy’, His support to King Victor Emmanuel II, His efforts and leading the army – Red Shirts, conquering the states of Sicily and Naples.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the contributions of the of Garibaldi further paved the way for the unification of Italy.
Introduction
In March 1861 Emmanuel II proclaimed the Italian nation with himself as king and Camillo Cavour as prime minister. Three of the key figures in the unification of Italy were Mazzini, Garibaldi and Cavour, who although all having different aims, ultimately contributed to the unification of Italy. In 1815, after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo, the great powers of Europe; Russia, Prussia, Austria and Great Britain met in Vienna and regarded the changes that had been made to the Italian peninsula during French rule.
Body:
The Contributions of Garibaldi in the Unification of Italy were as follows:
- He was a member of the Young Italy movement. He was skilled in guerrilla warfare and deserves credit for uniting Southern Italian states under the leadership of Piedmont.
- He organized a revolutionary force called Red Shirts, and succeeded in liberating Sicily and Naples and uniting them under the control of the King of Sardinia.
- All the three major powers surrounded and attacked the Roman Republic.
- The chief fighter on the side of the Roman Republic was He held the Austrians and defeated the Neapolitan armies. He even stopped the French. All this was done with the help of volunteers
- Garibaldi’s leadership gave strength to the young volunteers. Volunteers poured in and they marched enthusiastically. They often marched singing Garibaldi’s hymn.
- Garibaldi and Mazzini both were fiercely devoted to Italian unification. The third player in this game was Cavour.
Conclusion:
Mazzini’s efforts would have run to waste in a questionable insurrections and Garibaldi’s feat of arms must have added one chapter more to the history of unproductive patriotism.” In short, we can say with confidence that of all the political and national leaders of Italy, Cavour contributed most to the unification of Italy.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Economic Times
Why the question:
India and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday announced the launch of the negotiations for a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the aim to end talks by the end of this year and sign a formal agreement in March next year.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how CEPA can benefits India and UAE while bring the countries strategically closer.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context launch of the negotiations for a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and UAE.
Body:
In the first part, in brief, giving a account of tries between India-U.A.E till recent times. (You can make use of a flow chart for better presentation).
Next, describe the proposed CEPA – how it will benefit both India and U.A.E in terms of trade, investments, technology, infrastructure and etc labour.
Bring out the strategic implications of signing of CEPA and any potential bottlenecks in signing it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward for realisation of a mutually beneficial CEPA.
Introduction
India and the United Arab Emirates announced the launch of the negotiations for a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the aim to end talks by the end of this year and sign a formal agreement in March next year.
The pact is expected to increase bilateral trade in goods to $100 billion within five years of the signed agreement and that in services to $15 billion but that projection is now being reassessed.
Body
India-UAE trade ties
- The UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner with bilateral trade in FY20 at $59 billion.
- It is also India’s second-largest export destination after the US, with exports valued at $29 billion in FY20.
- India was the UAE’s second-largest trading partner in 2019, with bilateral non-oil trade valued at $41 billion.
- The UAE is the eighth-largest investor in India, having invested USD 11 billion between April 2000 and March 2021, while investment by Indian companies in the UAE is estimated to be over USD 85 billion.
- India’s major exports to the UAE include petroleum products, precious metals, stones, gems and jewellery, minerals, food items such as cereals, sugar, fruits and vegetables, tea, meat, and seafood, textiles, engineering and machinery products, and chemicals.
- India’s top imports from the UAE include petroleum and petroleum products, precious metals, stones, gems and jewellery, minerals, chemicals and wood and wood products. India imported USD 10.9 billion of crude oil from the UAE in 2019-2020
Proposed CEPA and benefits to India-UAE
- CEPA will create new jobs, raise living standards, and provide wider social and economic opportunities in both nations.
- A new strategic economic agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade in goods to USD 100 billion within five years of the signed agreement and increase trade in services to USD 15 billion.
- Mutual Recognition Agreement of testing labs, customs facilitation, data exchange and investment pacts are the other benefits that India is eyeing through the pact.
- This will be a beneficial pact especially for India’s asset monetisation plans as investment from UAE will get priority and they will get comfort and confidence
- UAE’s strategic location, trade with Africa and its various trade pacts can help India become part of that supply chain especially in handlooms, handicrafts and pharma.
Conclusion
A trade deal, if worked out between both nations, will be the first of the bunch of trade agreements that India aims to ink with other developed nations over the next few months. Reaffirming their commitment to working together, both Ministers agreed to strengthen the rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, and inclusive multilateral trading system embodied by the World Trade Organization. They also agreed to work towards a balanced and inclusive outcome at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva.
Value Addition
- It is a kind of free trade pact which covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of economic partnership. It may even consider negotiation on areas such as trade facilitation and customs cooperation, competition, and Intellectual Property Rights.
- Partnership agreements or cooperation agreements are more comprehensive than Free Trade Agreements.
- CEPA also looks into the regulatory aspect of trade and encompasses an agreement covering the regulatory issues.
- India has signed CEPAs with South Korea and Japan.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Inflation for the last four months has been worryingly high — wholesale price index (WPI) has been above 10% and consumer price index (CPI) crossed the 6% mark in June, which was above the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s tolerance band.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the reasons for high rate of inflation and suggest measures to keep it under control.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin defining inflation and giving the recent rates of high rates of inflation.
Body:
In the first part, in detail explain the reasons for the recent high rate of inflation – increased taxation of energy, disrupted supplies, sharp rise in the profits of the corporate sector, international factors and weakening of the rupee. Write about the impact of rise of inflation on the marco-economic situation of India.
Suggest measures to bring inflation under control to keep it under acceptable limits.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward
Introduction
Inflation for the last four months has been worryingly high — wholesale price index (WPI) has been above 10% and consumer price index (CPI) crossed the 6% mark in June, which was above the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s tolerance band. This is happening at a time when demand has been down, unemployment has been high, many have lost incomes and poverty has aggravated.
Body
Factors for the high rate of inflation in the Indian economy
- Fuel prices: The government has increased taxation of energy to raise resources.
- Since energy is used for all production, prices of all goods and services tend to rise and push up the rate of inflation.
- Further, this is an indirect tax, it is regressive and impacts the poor disproportionately It also makes the RBI’s task of controlling inflation difficult.
- Supply shortage: The lockdowns disrupted supplies and that added to shortages and price rise.
- Prices of medicines and medical equipment rose dramatically.
- Prices of items of day-to-day consumption also rose.
- Fruits and vegetable prices rose since these items could not reach the urban markets.
- International factors: Most major economies have recovered and demand for inputs has increased while supplies have remained disrupted (like chips for automobiles).
- So, commodity and input prices have risen (like in the case of metals).
- Businesses claim increase in input costs underlies price rise.
- Data collection and methodology: In April and May 2020, data on production and prices could not be collected due to the strict lockdown.
- So, the current data on prices for April to July 2021 are not comparable with the same months of 2020.
- As such, the official inflation figures for these months in 2021 do not reflect the true picture.
- Weak Rupee: The weakening of the rupee also added to inflation.
Measures to keep the inflation under control
- Monetary policy Measures: Maintaining price stability is the foremost objective of the monetary policy committee of RBI. However, during the pandemic, growth has taken centre stage and RBI has rightly cut interest rates.
- But now it is taking a neutral stance in the wake of rising inflation.
- Traditionally, raising interest rates can lead to decline in prices by making credit more expensive and this is the tool that RBI employs.
- However, just raising interest rates to combat inflation may kill any incipient signs of recovery. So, RBI may prefer a wait-and-watch mode at least for now.
- Commodity prices: GoI needs to remove supply side bottlenecks. For example, GoI can immediately offload 10-20% of its pulses stock with NAFED in the open market.
- Stocks are currently at 14.6 lakh MT. This may immediately cool down pulses’ price.
- Fuel prices: The prices of petrol, diesel and LPG has increased drastically crossing Rs 100/- and states/Centre are buck passing the responsibility of cutting taxes.
- Bringing them under GST would reduce the prices by at least 30 rupees.
- GST council must agree to this with haste.
- Policy measures: Navigating out of this will need a fiscal stimulus to shore up consumer spending, an investment revival to increase the productive capacity of the economy, and a careful management of inflationary expectations.
- Concomitantly, the government will also need to pursue redistribution of income to reduce the widening disparity.
- This also calls for fiscal prudence to cut wasteful spending, find new revenue through asset sales, mining and spectrum auctions, and build investor confidence.
Conclusion
With the rise in inflation amidst a second wave, the balancing acumen of the MPC will now be sorely tested. Factors like rising commodity prices, supply chain disruptions are expected to raise overall domestic inflation. Government and RBI need to chalk out a fiscal plan to ensure that the inflation doesn’t burden the common man in the country.
Value addition
The different remedies to solve issues related to inflation can be stated as:
- Monetary Policy: The monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India is aimed at managing the quantity of money in order to meet the requirements of different sectors of the economy and to boost economic growth.
- This contractionary policy is manifested by decreasing bond prices and increasing interest rates.
- This helps in reducing expenses during inflation which ultimately helps halt economic growth and, in turn, the rate of inflation.
- Fiscal Policy: Monetary policy is often seen separate from fiscal policy which deals with taxation, spending by government and borrowing. Monetary policy is either contractionary or expansionary.
- When the total money supply is increased rapidly than normal, it is called an expansionary policy while a slower increase or even a decrease of the same refers to a contractionary policy.
- It deals with the Revenue and Expenditure policy of the government.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Close to 700 million people worldwide live along the coast and there continue to be plans to expand coastal cities. Therefore, understanding the risks involved from climate change and sea level rise in the 21st and 22nd centuries is crucial.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of seal level rise on coastal states and examine India’s vulnerability to it.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving statistic regarding the rise of sea level due to global warming.
Body:
In the first part, write about how rise in sea level impacts the coastal states in various ways – Shoreline erosion and degradation, Amplified storm surges, Permanent inundation, and Saltwater intrusion etc.
Examine how the above will make India vulnerable in various aspects such as employment, land, community livelihood, infrastructure etc.
Suggest measures for adaptation to sea level rise.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to mitigate the impact of global warming – the major cause of sea level rise.
Introduction
Sea level rise is an increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to the effects of global warming and other factors. According to a draft report of United Nations Intergovernmental Penal on Climate Change destructive changes have already been set in motion. The draft report says that even with most optimistic emission reduction scenario, by the year 2050 many low-lying megacities and small island nations will experience extreme sea level events every year. Report says that the big four – United States of America, China, India and European Union will face most devastating fall out of the ocean and ice related impacts of climate change.
Body
Alarming rate of sea level rise
- Sea levels have risen by between 180 to 200 mm since 1900.
- Nearly5-0.7% of the world’s land area is at a risk of episodic coastal flooding by 2100, impacting 2.5-4.1% of the population assuming there are no coastal defences or adaptation measures in place.
- By 2100, the global population potentially exposed to episodic coastal flooding will increase from 128-171 million to 176-287 million.
Consequences of sea-level rise on coastal states
- Loss of habitat: Almost 3 billion people are living within 200 km of the coasts and islands all over the world.
- A sea level rise will lead to loss of habitation and hence leads to de-urbanization.
- Indonesia is planning to shift its capital from Jakarta, the “world’s fastest-sinking city” owing to sinking of land by 25 cm per year.
- It may also significantly affect tourism and recreation through impacts on landscapes (e.g., beaches), cultural features etc.
- Agriculture: SLR will affect agriculture mainly through land submergence, soil and fresh groundwater resources salinisation, and land loss due to permanent coastal erosion, with consequences on production, livelihood diversification and food security.
- Coastal fisheries and aquaculture: The negative effects of SLR on fisheries and aquaculture are indirect, through adverse impacts on habitats (e.g., coral reef degradation, reduced water quality in deltas and estuarine environments, soil salinisation, etc.).
- Impact on Small Island Nations: Because of small islands’ high coastline to land area ratio, most of their human settlements, agricultural lands, and critical infrastructure are at or near the coasts.
Vulnerability of India to global warming induced sea level rise
- As per the study by Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Sea levels along the Indian coast are projected to rise between 3.5 inches to 34 inch (2.8 feet) by the end of century due to global warming.
- India’s coastal regions, home to about 170 million of the country’s 1.4 billion people, are on the front lines of a shifting climate, experiencing sea-level rise, erosion, and natural disasters such as tropical storms and cyclones.
- The latest evidence of this vulnerability occurred in May 2020, as the strongest storm recorded in decades in the Bay of Bengal—Cyclone Amphan—hit, forcing several million people to evacuate.
- Climate change is expected to inundate significant sections of Mumbai by 2050, impacting millions of people.
- India lost 235 square kilometers of land to coastal erosion between 1990 and 2016, placing people’s livelihoods and homes in jeopardy, with flight to safer places occurring voluntarily or, as a last resort, through government intervention.
- Scientific prediction suggests that 36 million Indians are likely to be living in areas experiencing chronic flooding by 2100.
- Sea level around Asia in the North Indian Ocean has increased faster than global average, with coastal area loss and shoreline retreat.
- Similarly, mega cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are at high risk of flooding and sea-level rise, with millions living in these urban coastal areas likely to be relocated to safer places in the future.
- In such circumstances, forced migration and displacement would be inevitable in the absence of well-managed, pre-emptive relocation of populations from high-risk areas.
Adaptation measures
- Integrated coastal management: It will help in resource management following an integrative, holistic approach and an interactive planning process in addressing the complex management issues in the coastal area.
- Coastal Regulation Zone notifications issued under Environmental Protection Act, 1986 will help in this integrated management.
- Community ownership: Policy makers should engage stakeholders in the early stages of decision-making and throughout the entire decision-making process to enhance overall resilience in coastal areas, while supporting community ownership.
- Barriers to urban areas: Rotterdam has offered a model to other cities seeking to combat flooding and land loss. Rotterdam has built barriers, drainage, and innovative architectural features such as a “water square” with temporary ponds.
- Adaptation to Sea Level Rise
- Relocating utility infrastructure, such as treatment plants and pump stations, to higher elevations would reduce risks from coastal flooding.
- Understanding and modelling groundwater conditions will inform aquifer management and projected water quantity and quality changes.
- Coastal restoration plans may protect water utility infrastructure from damaging storm surge by increasing protective habitat of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands.
- The injection of fresh water into aquifers can help to act as a barrier, while intrusion recharges groundwater resources.
- Limiting global warming: More use of renewable energy (wind, solar) can help reduce carbon emissions. Nations must act fast to attain their NDC’s and work on carbon sequestration.
Conclusion
The Paris Agreement provides a clear vision on limiting global warming and thus, Sea level rise. There must be awareness among the representatives of the public, different agencies of the government, scientists, industry and the communities on the threat posed by climate change and the steps to counter it. Sea level rise is a slow disaster that will become magnanimous and all steps must be taken to ensure that such disasters are mitigated.
General Studies – 4
Topic: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
6. Do you think religion can be a source of ethical guidance? Justify with examples. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the extent to which religion can serve as the source of ethical guidance.
Directive word:
Justify – When you are asked to justify, you must pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question using suitable case studies or/ and examples.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Write about how various religions across the world lead to developmental of religious ethics.
Body:
Write how religious belief systems commands what an individual does. Many individuals and communities have been and continue to be led or influenced by the statutes and precepts of their religious groups to act in a certain way, decision or course of life. Cite examples from major religions across the world.
Religion does have a role to play in developing a sense of ethics, but it is rather limited. What religions tend to do is to give a list of ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ that the faithful’s need to follow. But it does not provide much explanation as to why these rules should be followed. Cite examples from major religions across the world.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced view of religion as the source of ethical guidance.
Introduction
Ethics deals with what is right and wrong, or good and evil. Between ethics and religion, there is an overlap in determining these questions. Our society is structured on the basis on religion. And every religion has a system of beliefs and what it considers right or wrong. The question of whether or not morality requires religion is both topical and ancient. In the Euthyphro, Socrates famously asked whether goodness is loved by the gods because it is good, or whether goodness is good because it is loved by the gods.
Body:
Religion as a source of ethical guidance:
Religion plays a crucial role for a person in giving a cultural identity. Religion helps in creating an ethical framework and also a regulator for values in day to day life. This particular approach helps in character building of a person. In other words, Religion acts as an agency of socialization. Thus, religion helps in building values like love, empathy, respect, and harmony.
Religion is to morality what water is to the seed that is sown in the soil. Just as the seed is choked under the earth when it is not duly watered, so too the morality which is devoid of the fertilising influence of religion gets thin and dry and is ultimately destroyed. In other words, morality divorced from religion would be an empty thing.
We have had a long tradition where individuals and industry in India encourage “caring for the society” as much as creating wealth for future expansion of the business and the economy. This has taken various forms for instance building and developing schools and colleges, hospitals as also various religious and charitable institutions, supporting a variety of religious and welfare activities on a continuing basis.
Each and every religion promotes its philosophy and the crux of it has always been the welfare and wellness of the people. For example, in the Sanatana Dharma, there are ideas like Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is a family), Sarve Sukhina Bhavantu (let everyone be happy) which nurture and cultivate love and compassion in the society.
Religious believers who make ethical judgements solely on the basis of their religious beliefs see the two as indistinguishable. So some Christians see the wrongness of divorce as consisting in its offence against God’s law. While some people see their religious and ethical duties as compatible and even co-extensive. For example, some people see adultery as wrong because it is forbidden by God’s law and because it involves deceiving marriage partners.
However, There are similar disagreements among people (Atheists) who see ethics as based on secular considerations. One of the problems with basing ethics on a set of religious beliefs is that this provides no guidance for those who do not share those beliefs. These people have no reason to accept god’s authority. Because of this problem, many have sought a basis for ethics in indisputable facts rather than in religious beliefs that not everyone shares.
Conclusion:
Of course, not all religions are the same, some are more liberal than others and some more conservative, but in general, all religious traditions believe that their faith represents a path to enlightenment and salvation. True knowledge of religion breaks down the barriers between Faith and Faith. Cultivation of tolerance for other Faiths will impart to us a true understanding of our own. Tolerance obviously does not disturb the distinction between right and wrong, or good and evil. This way religion becomes source of ethics.
Topic: tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about compassion and its importance in life.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining compassion or a quote about compassion from a great personality.
Body:
Write about the importance of compassion in our daily lives as well as towards various vulnerable sections. Cite examples to substantiate your points. Mention as to how compassion makes this world a better place.
Conclusion:
Complete the answer by underscoring the need for more compassion in the world, especially in these testing and trying times.
Introduction
Compassion is a deeper level of empathy, demonstrating an actual desire to help the suffering person. It is a unique feeling of sympathy for the suffering of others that involves emotions and empathy towards others, a sense of understanding, and the drive to protect. It is the sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. It motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or emotional pains of another and themselves. Compassion is often regarded as having sensitivity, an emotional aspect to suffering. Qualities of compassion are patience and wisdom; kindness and perseverance; warmth and resolve.
Body
- Compassion is a virtue that involves Acknowledgment, understanding, and emotional resonance linked with action aimed at understanding the person and the amelioration of suffering
- Take for instance the example of Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa was the epitome of compassion. If ever one would dare to give a core competency to her, it is this single characteristic of being a compassionate person. She radiated this quality, when on earth, in a way, few humans could ever do; her love for the marginalized and the vulnerable and particularly for the poorest of the poor and the dying destitute was boundless.
- Compassion takes empathy and sympathy a step further. When you are compassionate, you feel the pain of another (i.e., empathy) or you recognize that the person is in pain (i.e., sympathy), and then you do your best to alleviate the person’s suffering from that situation. Thus, the emphasis here is on action and wanting to help.
- When you’re compassionate, you’re not running away from suffering, you’re not feeling overwhelmed by suffering, and you’re not pretending the suffering doesn’t exist. When you are practicing compassion, you can stay present with suffering.
- Our compassion for others can lead to alleviation of great distress of people. For example, during the recent migrant crisis, the Bollywood Actor Sonu Sood became quite well known for his help to them on compassionate grounds. Thousands of poor and vulnerable people were given help through him.
- Even at personal level, we have to be compassionate to our friends and family. Only then can we share both happiness and their sufferings together. This is the key to be happy.
- On an individual level, one must be compassionate about themselves, to be happy in life. For instance, it is important to acknowledge our abilities and not be hard on ourselves when we encounter a failure. As candidates of UPSC, being demotivated and failure is part of the process. This does not mean; we have to believe ill about our capacity and self-loathe. Rather we must overcome that with compassion, trying to empathise with ourselves.
- Compassion and helping others gives a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that makes the person in need and ourselves happy and satisfied.
- Compassion broadens our Perspective beyond ourselves. It helps us release Stress and Depression. People who are self-focused are more prone to distress and depression as compared to people who are open and compassionate to others.
- Compassion results in other people get attracted to ourselves. When we take interests in other’s lives and solve their problems, they are naturally attracted towards you and consider your presence essential in their lives.
Conclusion
The world desperately stands in need of compassion today. A compassion, which reaches out to the unloved, the ostracized, the marginalized and the vulnerable. A compassion, that takes a stand for the poor, the victims of injustice, the refugees and the displaced. A compassion, that is able to negate and overcome the hate and divisiveness. The humankind must be compassionate to each other to see the world thrive.
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